Summary
- Borderlands 4 NPCs possess creativity and flair fans expect, unlike criticized Vault Hunters.
- Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4 face criticism for bland appearances, lacking distinct features.
- Borderlands 4’s new NPCs exhibit cool designs, evading criticism faced by Vault Hunters, adding imaginative character inspiration.
There is no denying that Borderlands 4 has been highly anticipated by fans of the series, as they were largely kept in the dark about its very existence until only fairly recently. With such heightened anticipation surrounding its eventual unveiling, one would think more positive than negative reactions might have resulted from it. However, Borderlands 4‘s latest gameplay reveal was met with controversy, particularly surrounding the designs of its new Vault Hunters. Even so, the game’s NPCs may be able to make up for that dissension — at least, based on what has been revealed so far.
Returning characters and new foes alike in Borderlands 4 appear to possess the visual flair and iconic creativity that fans have come to expect from the Borderlands universe. In light of that, Borderlands 4‘s NPCs may be able to sidestep the criticism that its playable characters ran right into without hesitation.
Related
Why Zane’s Return in Borderlands 4 Is a Big Deal
Zane Flynt’s return in Borderlands 4 could mean the world for the development of his character and the sequel’s new playable Vault Hunters as well.
Borderlands 4’s NPCs May Avoid the Criticism Its Vault Hunters Garnered
Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters Have Been Criticized for Their Blandness
Despite the fact that very little information about their gameplay has been revealed, Borderlands 4‘s Vault Hunters have received hefty criticism for the blandness of their appearance. Unfortunately, this probably wouldn’t be the case if Borderlands 4 featured Vault Hunters as diverse as those leading past installments, but comparison is almost always the most popular form of criticism. To be fair, each of Borderlands 4‘s four Vault Hunters does largely look like the other three, and none of them really have distinct features and characteristics that might make them more distinguished. In short, there’s just a certain flair that Borderlands 4‘s Vault Hunters are lacking, and they essentially look like standard individuals — nothing special.
Previous characters like Zer0 and Krieg had distinct appearances that immediately set them apart, whereas the designs of Borderlands 4‘s new Vault Hunters seem quite a bit more tame.
Borderlands 4’s NPCs Already Seem to Have Some Cool Designs
In spite of the criticism that Borderlands 4‘s Vault Hunters have received for their design, however, the sequel’s NPCs already appear to be evading such criticism and may very well continue to once the game launches. One of Borderlands 4‘s returning characters, Zane Flynt, for instance, has received a bit of a makeover in the sequel, with a longer beard, a different hairstyle, and what appears to be something of a shawl instead of his normal jacket. A character dressed in shining white and gold attire that appears near the end of Borderlands 4‘s latest gameplay trailer also features one of the game’s more distinctive looks, though it’s unclear what role the character will play.
Borderlands 4‘s new villain, the Timekeeper, bears a design that makes him appear as menacing as the threat he seems to pose. Many of the game’s enemies are also far more visually striking than the Vault Hunters. In fact, many of the enemies shown in the latest gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4 appear far more threatening than the characters players will be controlling throughout the adventure, perhaps in an effort to make players feel a little “less than” this time, as opposed to a powerhouse capable of defeating any foes they cross paths with.
There’s just a certain flair that Borderlands 4‘s Vault Hunters are lacking, and they essentially look like standard individuals — nothing special.
Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters may not have helped with the anticipation surrounding the game, but the game’s NPCs, including returning characters and enemies, already seem to showcase the designs and personalities many have likely come to expect from the series. These visually distinctive non-playable characters could very well offset some of the disappointment surrounding Borderlands 4‘s new Vault Hunters and maintain the franchise’s reputation for more imaginative character design. Whether this will prove effective in the long run remains to be seen, but there is at least some semblance of hope left that Borderlands 4 is dedicated to creating a world filled with unforgettable characters.
